To aim high — This metaphor dazzlingly entered the sphere of motivational expressions thanks to Ralph Waldo Emerson, who in 1870 proclaimed in Society and Solitude: Civilization, “Hitch your wagon to a star.” This inspiring call to lofty goals should inspire us to avoid weariness in trivial pursuits that serve only our immediate needs. The delightful Ogden Nash humorously countered this grand vision in his whimsical poem “Kindly Unhitch That Star” (1940), reminding us that ambitions should also be reasonable.
Similar Expressions:
- Reach for the stars 🌟
- Shoot for the moon 🌕
- Dream big 💭
Related Terms:
- Aspiration
- Ambition
- Drive
- High hopes
Synonyms:
- Strive
- Pursue
- Endeavor
Antonyms:
- Settle
- Undervalue
- Resign
Quotes:
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” — Norma Vincent Peale
“Ambition is the path to success, persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.” — Bill Bradley
Proverbs:
- “The sky’s the limit.” 🌌
- “Big goals get big results.” 🥇
- “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” 🔧
Literature & References:
- Reach for the Sky by Paul Brickhill
- Ogden Nash’s poem “Kindly Unhitch That Star” (included in collections of his whimsical and humorous poetry)
Music:
- “Let Your Dreams Be Your Wings” by Barry Manilow 🎵
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor 🌟
- “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus 🎤
Movies:
- The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
- Rocky (1976)
- Billy Elliot (2000)
Here are some fun quizzes to test your cliché mastery:
Thought-Provoking Farewell:
“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” — James Dean
